NIS 100 Million for Tunnels to Relieve Adam-Hizme Jams

The Transportation Ministry announced, Monday, that it has approved two underground tunnels to relieve traffic congestion on Highway 60 between the Hizme Crossing, at the northern entrance to Jerusalem, and the nearby Binyamin-region Jewish community of Adam. The government is expected to invest more than 100 million shekels in development of the project.

Some of the plans have been approved by the planning commission of the Civil Administration for Judea and Samaria (Shomron), while others are still in the planning stage. The ministry has instructed the Civil Administration to act to issue building permits in January for development of the Adam Junction. The Jewish residents who travel the segment of highway have demonstrated in recent weeks for relief from the congestion, claiming it to be a safety and security risk. They say solution of the problem will be beneficial for both Arabs and Jews.